Enigmata

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌɛnɪɡˈmɑːta/

Definitions

1. A collection of riddles or puzzles often requiring thoughtful interpretation to unravel their meanings
2. A series of mysterious or perplexing statements that challenge the mind and provoke curiosity
3. An assortment of cryptic questions or problems designed to stimulate intellectual engagement and exploration

Etymology: "Enigmata" is the Latin plural of "enigma," so English readers meet it mostly in learned or literary writing. It is an inflected form, and the singular it belongs to comes from Ancient Greek "ainigma," meaning a dark saying or a speech spoken in riddles, which the Romans borrowed as "aenigma." The Greek word is built from "ainos," a word for a tale or fable, and it carried the sense of speech that hides its meaning on purpose. Its plural in Latin, "aenigmata," kept the Greek ending, which is why the form looks so unfamiliar in English.

Synonyms: enigma, riddle, mystery, puzzle, conundrum

Antonyms: solution, answer, explanation, clarity